MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Thursday expressed their commitment to sign a Mutual Logistics Supporting Arrangement (MLSA) and conclude the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA).

“Both sides committed to the signing of a Mutual Logistics Supporting Arrangement (MLSA) by the end of 2024, and to concluding a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA),” the joint statement of the Philippines and New Zealand stated.

Prime Minister Luxon is currently in Manila for the two-day official visit in the Philippines. He was warmly welcomed by President Marcos at the Malacañan Palace where they had a bilateral meeting.

In their joint statement, President Marcos and Prime Minister Luxon acknowledged the strong existing bilateral defense cooperation between the Philippines and New Zealand.

The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining maritime security cooperation, including bilateral and multilateral activities at sea, port calls/visits, and capacity-building efforts.

They also recognized the shared interest of the Philippines and New Zealand in preserving peace and stability at sea, as they looked forward to cooperating on maritime law enforcement, contraband smuggling, among others. (PND)